Muscat Art 2026 Celebrates Creativity and Cultural Dialogue with Hundreds of Artists from Oman and Abroad

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Muscat Art 2026, which concluded on 30 October at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), brought together hundreds of artists from Oman and abroad for a three-day celebration of contemporary art and creativity. The fifth edition of the exhibition reaffirmed Oman’s growing role as a regional hub for culture, artistic exchange and creative collaboration.

Inaugurated Under Distinguished Patronage

The fifth edition of Muscat Art was inaugurated on 28 October under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat.

Centred on the theme ‘Art Everywhere’, Muscat Art 2026 explored the relationship between art, identity and the spaces people inhabit. The exhibition extended artistic expression beyond traditional galleries into architecture, heritage and everyday life, inviting visitors to see art as an integral part of their surroundings.

Strengthening Oman’s Cultural Standing

The event also aimed to strengthen Oman’s position as a regional cultural destination while creating opportunities for artistic exchange and collaboration. Alongside the exhibition, visitors attended workshops, panel discussions and Art Talks focusing on the evolving creative industries and the role of art in cultural development.

Organised by OCEC, Muscat Art seeks to provide Omani artists with opportunities to reach international audiences and to strengthen their connections with artists and cultural institutions around the world.

Italian Artists Bring ‘Routes of Art’ to Muscat Art 2026

Among the international participants were Italian polymathic artists and intercultural promoters Luca Moretti and Lucia Oliva, who have been associated with Muscat Art since its debut in 2019. The duo brought a fresh and distinctive dimension to this year’s edition, in keeping with their multifaceted approach to the arts, which spans theatre, literature and cinema alongside the figurative arts.

Their participation unfolded as a journey of encounters with exhibitors from different countries, exploring diverse expressions of creativity through conversations with artists and cultural representatives.

At the heart of their presence was an original multidisciplinary project titled ‘Routes of Art’, through which they presented themselves as living works of art, combining visual arts, fashion and performance. The couple devised a signature look, designed and created entirely by themselves, reflecting their deep interest in intercultural dialogue.

Fashion as a Bridge Between Italy and Oman

Moretti’s ensemble blended elements inspired by the early 19th-century Italian gentleman with contemporary casual fashion, featuring hand-painted shoes and an embellished top hat.

Oliva’s outfit drew inspiration from Omani traditions, particularly the Dhofari thobe. Her garment featured a five-metre-long train decorated with a multitude of handmade papier-mâché boats, offering a striking, colourful interpretation of the region’s cultural heritage interwoven with Oman’s ancient seafaring traditions. She completed the ensemble with a hat of her own design and making, inspired by the Italian Belle Époque.

The artists said their experience went beyond appreciating the artworks on display, with intense moments of dialogue with fellow artists offering insights into the inspiration, stories and creative journeys behind individual works. Their experience was documented with the support of Omani photographer Quasi Abdullah Al Maimani, whose photographic work formed part of their artistic narrative.

Royal Court Collection and Institutional Partners

Moretti and Oliva also highlighted the Bilarab bin Haitham Initiative, a strategic partner of the event, which participated in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

They were particularly fascinated by the dedicated pavilion showcasing a selection of modern and contemporary artworks from the Royal Court Affairs collection, including paintings by renowned Omani artist Yousuf Al Nahwi.

Art Beyond Boundaries

The Italian artists also interacted with students from the Military College, whose participation has been a feature of Muscat Art since its first edition in 2019. The encounter highlighted the role of artistic expression within institutions traditionally associated with discipline and military training.

Another memorable interaction was with the Omani Association for People with Hearing Disabilities. The artists admired works created by the association’s members, noting how art can serve as a powerful means of communication beyond spoken language.

International Attention for Muscat Art

Thanks to the duo’s original concept and work as intercultural promoters, Muscat Art 2026 also attracted international attention. Italian art critic Massimiliano Reggiani is preparing articles for specialised publications in Italy, introducing international readers to the latest edition of the exhibition.

Through its diverse participants, artistic expressions and cultural encounters, Muscat Art 2026 reinforced the role of art as a bridge